"Human beings want and need appreciation for the work they do. Whether in the form of a simple thank-you for a small job well done or a formal commendation for years of faithful service in a key position of an organization, such acknowledgement is a signal to the recipient that she or he is noticed and appreciated -that she or he is recognized."--GSUSA Adult Recognitions in Girl Scouting
Informal Creative Thank You Gifts
These expressions of gratitude may be initiated and presented by anyone-girls, parents, service unit teams and association members.
Handicrafts
Make a mobile, flower arrangement, special ceramic plaque, scrapbook, sampler, poster, decoupage, ornament, bookmark, etc.
Written Thank You
Send a brief note, poem, letter, special occasion card, scroll signed by members of the group, autograph book with signatures and comments from associates, pictures of girls attractively framed or a yard sign with message "A Great Girl Scout Leader Lives Here"
Miscellaneous
Write an article for the service unit/association newsletter, or frame a picture of an event or program, provide a baby sitter, make a phone call, send a small plant or flowers, give baked goods with recipes, offer gifts from the garden, create a relaxation kit (sample contents: a mug, some herbal teas, candles or bath salts).
Girl Scout Tokens
Look in the national Girl Scout Catalog. All tokens are available in the Girl Scout Shop at the council office or mobile shop. Items specific to GSBC are also available.
Honorary Contributions
Make a financial contribution to the Endowment Fund to be used for program grants or contact GSBC Fund Development Department for information concerning the trust fund program.
Lifetime Membership
Lifetime membership in GSUSA is open to any person 18 or older who accepts the beliefs and principles of the Girl Scout movement. To give a gift of lifetime membership, call your service unit registrar.
Formal GSUSA Girl Recognitions
The Gold Award
Earning the GS Gold Award is a mighty achievement. Here are tips for you to make the journey manageable, rewarding and fun.
The GS Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious award a girl can earn in Girl Scouting. A girl who has earned the GS Gold Award can look forward to greater access to college scholarships, paid internships, and community awards. Over 3,500 Senior Girl Scouts design, implement, and complete Gold Award projects every year...wow! The GS Gold Award is within reach for any registered Senior GS, provided she fills the five requirements.
From start to finish, it usually takes more than one year to complete the extensive prerequisites and the final requirements. The Gold Award project must fulfill a need in the community and take at least 50 hours to develop, plan, carry out and evaluate. It is an extraordinary opportunity for Senior Girl Scouts to put their leadership skills, career interests, and personal values together to serve their community.
Each year, GSBC offers a workshop to give you an opportunity to ask all your questions. Special do-it-yourself activities designed to help you get started will be provided. Adults advising/working with Senior Girl Scouts to help them get started are encouraged to attend. Topics will include requirements, recording your hours, how to choose the best project for you, and the project advisor. Dates for workshops will be posted as they become available.
Here are five tips to as you begin on your path to the Girl Scout Gold Award:
1. Harness your passions. Get in touch with your own interests before settling for a project similar to what other girls have done or one suggested by others. The key is to match something you are passionate about with a need you identify in the community.
2. Expand your horizons. Consider the GS Gold Award a great opportunity to expand your social network and the knowledge you possess about your community. It takes courage to get out and talk to new people or visit new places. Ask adults to introduce you to other adults in the community. Ask for feedback on ways you can implement or improve on your project.
3. Mind the rules. Make all the appropriate adults aware of your plans before you act upon them. Also, don't start working on a project or idea before having it approved by your council's GS Gold Award committee.
4. Keep track of time. A GS Gold Award project is not like a paper for school: you can't complete it by staying up for a couple of nights in a row. Use a calendar to set the date for the final event. Then plan backwards, breaking the project into steps that will get you to that final date on time!
5. Practice, practice, practice. Talking about your idea in a comfortable setting can give you the confidence you need to go into the community to gain support for your project.
The Silver Award The Silver Award, the highest award for Cadette Girl Scouts. In the GS tradition of providing progressive opportunities for girls to develop their skills, abilities, and interests, this award is frequently a stepping-stone to future Gold Awards, but is not a requirement.
Unlike the Gold Award, the Silver Award may be perused as a Troop or individual girl. Prerequisites challenge the Troop (or girl) to earn Interest Project Patches, develop leadership skills, explore future career paths, identify her own strengths, abilities, and interests and define a need within her community.
The Bronze Award
The Bronze Award, the highest award for Junior Girl Scouts. In the GS tradition of providing progressive opportunities for girls to develop their skills, abilities, and interests, this award is frequently a stepping-stone to the future Gold Award but is not a requirement.
Formal GSUSA Adult Recognitions
Troop Leader
If this person has been a troop leader for at least 2 years, they may be the perfect candidate for the
Outstanding Leader award. Some example recipients include:
An assistant leader who creates accommodations so that girls with special needs can fully participate in troop activities.
A leader who successfully communicates with and involves all parents and many resources in the community.
A leader who maintains continuity and quality girl programming while using the cooperative leadership model.
Other Volunteer Position
If this person has served in their volunteer position for at least 2 years, they may be the perfect candidate for the
Outstanding Volunteer Award. Some example recipients include:
- A SHARE chair who has dramatically increased participation and family support
- A volunteer who has organized large events for the service unit
- A product sales manager who has gone above and beyond while managing at least 2 product sales
Awarding service that impacts 1 Service Unit, or 1 Association
Great - you'd like to thank a volunteer for their tremendous efforts within one service unit or association!
Was their work at the service unit or association level "above and beyond" for at least 2 years = Outstanding Volunteer
If this person has served in their volunteer position for at least 2 years, they may be the perfect candidate. Some example recipients include:
- A SHARE chair who has dramatically increased participation and family support
- A volunteer who has organized large events for the service unit
A product sales manager who has gone above and beyond while managing at least 2 product sales at least 3 years =
Appreciation Pin. Some example recipients include:
- A service unit team member who has served on a committee to organize service unit-wide events for Thinking Day and bridging ceremonies
- A service unit manager who has strengthened the service unit by improving meeting attendance and increasing the number of troop leaders
Awarding service that impacts at least 2 Service Units or 2 Associations
So, you are interested in formally saying "thank-you" to someone for their superb work in multiple service units or multiple associations?
Was their service "above and beyond" for at least 4 years. This person has served in an exceptional way that contributes to the goals and objectives of the council for at least 4 years, she/he may be a perfect candidate for
The Honor Pin. Some examples might include:
- A dedicated day camp director whose efforts have improved the activity selection for girls and increased enrollment
- An association chair who goes beyond expectations to support and encourage programs and adult recognitions at the service unit level.
- A volunteer who directs a membership outreach task force with positive results
Service that impacts the Entire Council or Girl Scout Movement
Fantastic! If this person has volunteered in an exemplary way at the Council level or in a position effecting multiple associations for at least 5 years, they may be a perfect candidate for the
Thanks Badge. Some examples recipients include:
- For five years she contributed her professional expertise in financial management to assist the Program Grants Panel; thereby increasing the number of girls who can participate in programming
- An individual who initiates and successfully manages the extension of Girl Scouting to underserved populations within the council 's jurisdiction
- A volunteer who spearheaded a major council-wide service project over the course of five years which has become an annual, anticipated event
- A trainer who spreads their knowledge and experience through training, training administration, and curriculum development
For service "so significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate."
-Handbook of Adult Recognitions
Longevity of Membership
Longevity is calculated by totaling the number of years of girl and adult registration, in any Girl Scout or Girl Guide organization.
Recommended Practices:
# of years Where it can be awarded? Who pays the cost?
5-15 Service Unit Service Unit or Association
20 & 25 Service Unit or Association Service Unit or Association
30, 35, 40+ Annual Luncheon Council
Certificate of Appreciation & Plaque of Appreciation
Both the Certificate of Appreciation and the Plaque of Appreciation recognize a high degree of service and support to the Girl Scout movement by an individual, site, or organization in or out of Girl Scouting.
Length of Service for the Plaque - at least 5 years
Length of Service for the Certificate - no minimum requirement
How do I nominate someone? The Steps to Nominate Someone:
Step #1 - You know who you wish to nominate, and have (hopefully) chosen a 1st and 2nd choice for potential awards.
Step #2 - Search the Recognitions History in alpha-order or by association to see what awards this person may have already received. [Please note, OL and OV awards are not currently included on this list.]
Step #3 - Contact your Association Recognitions Chair, he/she can give suggestions for awards as well as help prepare the Application for official Adult Recognition and the Adult Record of Service.
Step #4 - Set a timeline. To present an award at the annual meeting in April, the complete application must be in by Valentine's Day, February 14. To present an award at a local meeting, contact your Association Recognition Chair for the deadline.
Step #5 - Write a brief letter of endorsement for your nominee and send it to your Association Recognitions Chair.
Service is an integral part of Girl Scouting as girls and adults seek out and meet needs in their communities. Service is normally given without expectation of recognition or reward, although service projects are often done as part of the requirements for a badge or other earned award. In some cases, girls and adults may also receive recognition from groups outside of Girl Scouting for their service, such as the
Presidential Volunteer Service Awards as described in the Winter 2005 issue of Leader Magazine. Because or our council size and the administrative structure that would be necessary to participate council-wide, GSBC will not act as the certifying organization. Individual troops and service units are encouraged to register their group as a certifying organization by going to
www.presidentialserviceawards.org